Statutory guidance

SR2024 No 1: generic risk assessment for research and development at a Part A(1) installation

Published 31 March 2025

Applies to England

The Environment Agency produces the generic risk assessments for all standard rules permits. These list the potential risks and specify the measures required, to manage them. The list of specified measures is not intended to be exhaustive or comprehensive and additional appropriate measures may be required to manage potential risks.

Applicants should check the risk assessment to understand:

• the potential risks of research and development at a Part A(1) installation under this standard rule set
• if your proposed activity has the same risks as this research and development standard rule set and whether you can apply to vary your permit to incorporate the standard rules
• how to manage the risk effectively

Each risk comprises:

• information about the source, pathway and receptor - and the potential harm to that receptor
• an assessment of the level of risk and justification of that assessment
• actions for managing the risk (through permitting) and a residual risk rating after managing it

Risk management involves breaking or limiting the source-pathway-receptor linkage to reduce the risk. If we set minimum distances we explain the basis of the distances, for example by modelling.

We control the residual risk (after risk management) when we assess compliance.

If you need to check the meaning of any terms we have used (in the context of this risk assessment), see the explanation of terms.

This generic risk assessment is based on the following parameters which define the scope of the permit and associated rules.

Risk assessment parameters

Parameter 1

Permitted activities are to carry out a research and development activity. These are operations related to the innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes associated with the permitted activities.

Parameter 2

The activity under this standard rule can only take place at an existing permitted Part A(1) installation and be subject to conditions in that permit, notwithstanding the conditions in the permit under the titles “Permitted activities”, “Operating techniques” and “Emissions to water, air or land”.

Parameter 3

There must be no release of any substance to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the H1 risk assessment tool or an equivalent alternative

Parameter 4

The research and development activity shall cease within 12 months of the date that the activity starts, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Environment Agency

1. Risk to local human population

1.1 Releases of particulate matter and gaseous emissions

Gases travel through the air and can be inhaled.

We (the Environment Agency) have assessed the potential harm to human health as follows:

• respiratory irritation
• illness

Assessment of risk

We have assessed the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor to be low
• the overall severity of potential consequence to be medium
• overall risk rating to be low

There is a potential for exposure to:

• anyone living close to the site
• members of the public at locations to which they have access to and could be regularly exposed

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• the installation permit will include a condition on emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits and (if required) an emissions management plan
• the details of the research and development are assessed to ensure that no substance is released to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the H1 risk assessment tool or an equivalent alternative

Taking these actions will normally control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’                              

1.2 Odour 

Odour travels through the air and can be inhaled. 

We have assessed the potential risk to the local population as: 

• nuisance
• loss of amenity

Judgement of risk 

We have judged the: 

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Local residents can be sensitive to odour but there is low potential for exposure.

Managing the risk 

The following measures will normally manage the risk: 

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• condition of existing installation permit requires that the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site and (if required) an odour management plan

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’. 

1.3 Noise and vibration 

Noise travels through the air and vibration through the ground. 

We have assessed the potential risk to the local population as: 

• nuisance
• loss of amenity
• loss of sleep

Judgement of risk 

We have judged the: 

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Local residents can be sensitive to noise and vibration. However, there is low potential for exposure. 

Managing the risk 

The following measures will normally manage the risk: 

• condition of existing installation permit requires that emissions from the activities shall be free from noise and vibration at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site and (if required) a noise management plan
• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

2. Risk to local human population and local environment

2.1 Risk of flooding of site

There is a risk from flooding if materials are washed off site. They may contaminate buildings, gardens and natural habitats downstream.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints

Taking this action will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

2.2 Risks from spillage of liquids and contaminated rainwater

We have assessed the effects on local human population as:

• skin damage or gastro-intestinal illness from direct contact or ingestion

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• the installation permit will include a condition on emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits and (if required) an emissions management plan
• if potentially polluting liquids are stored in containers as part of the permitted activities, the installation permit will include a condition that requires all liquids in containers to be provided with secondary containment, unless the operator has used other appropriate measures to prevent, or where that is not practicable, to minimise leakage and spillage from the primary container

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

3. Risk to local human population, livestock and wildlife

3.1 Gaining unauthorised access to site

There is a risk of direct physical contact with all on-site hazards such as materials, machinery and vehicles.

There is a risk of causing injury to humans or livestock.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints

Taking this action will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

4. Risk to local human population and local environment

4.1 Arson and vandalism

Arson and vandalism risk causing the release of polluting materials to the air (smoke or fumes), water or land.

Arson and vandalism can cause:

• smoke to travel through the air
• spillages and contaminated firewater to run-off from the site and through surface water drains and ditches

We have assessed the potential harm as:

• respiratory irritation, illness and nuisance to local population
• injury to staff, fire fighters, arsonists or vandals
• pollution of water or land

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as low

Containment measures at installations to prevent fugitive emissions to surface water, sewer or land are in place and should be maintained.

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• an accident management plan is required as part of the management system (covers fire and spillages)

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

4.2 Accidental fire

Fire can cause polluting materials (smoke or fumes) to travel through the air, water or land. We have assessed the potential harm as:

• respiratory irritation, illness and nuisance to local population
• injury to staff or fire fighters
• air, water or land pollution

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as low

Risk is reduced by an effective management system. The standard rules for research and development take place within an existing installation for a time-limited period.

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

5. Risk to surface waters close to and downstream of site

5.1 Spillage of liquids and contaminated rainwater run-off from materials.

We have assessed the acute effects as:

• water supply pollution
• fish kills
• oxygen depletion and algal blooms

We have assessed the chronic effects as:

• deterioration of water quality

We have assessed the harm as:

• direct run-off from the site across the ground and through surface water drains and ditches
• contamination of land

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• if potentially polluting liquids are stored in containers as part of the permitted activities, the installation permit will include a condition that requires all liquids in containers to be provided with secondary containment, unless the operator has used other appropriate measures to prevent, or where that is not practicable, to minimise leakage and spillage from the primary container
• run-off is restricted by the ‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’ condition

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘low’.

6. Risk to water abstracted from a watercourse

These risks relate to watercourses downstream of a facility and to water for agricultural or potable use.

There is a risk of contaminants travelling through direct run-off from the site across the ground surface, through surface water drains and ditches and finally through abstraction. This could have acute effects and cause the closure of abstraction intakes. However, a watercourse must have medium or high flow for abstraction to be permitted, which will dilute contaminated run-off.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The risk is managed as follows:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• if potentially polluting liquids are stored in containers as part of the permitted activities, the installation permit will include a condition that requires all liquids in containers to be provided with secondary containment, unless the operator has used other appropriate measures to prevent, or where that is not practicable, to minimise leakage and spillage from the primary container
• there must be no release of any substance to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the H1 risk assessment tool or an equivalent alternative to allow the research and development
• research and development activities are limited to 12 months unless otherwise agreed

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

7. Risk to groundwater

There is a risk of contaminants travelling through soil to groundwater which can then be abstracted from a borehole. This could have a chronic effect resulting in the groundwater requiring treatment or causing the closure of a borehole.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• if potentially polluting liquids are stored in containers as part of the permitted activities, the installation permit will include a condition that requires all liquids in containers to be provided with secondary containment, unless the operator has used other appropriate measures to prevent, or where that is not practicable, to minimise leakage and spillage from the primary container
• there must be no release of any substance to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the H1 risk assessment tool or an equivalent alternative to allow the research and development to take place
• research and development activities are limited to 12 months unless otherwise agreed

Taking these actions will control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

8. Risk to protected habitat sites

Protected habitat sites include:

• Special Areas of Conservation
• Special Protection Areas
• Ramsar wetland areas
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Protected habitat sites can be at risk from any source and by any pathway. Emissions to air, water or deposition onto land may cause harm and deterioration of protected habitat sites.

The risk of harm to protected habitat sites includes (but is not limited to):

• toxic contamination
• nutrient enrichment
• disturbance
• smothering

Assessment of risk

We have assessed the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor to be low
• the overall severity of potential consequence to be medium
• overall risk rating to be low

Managing the risk

The following measures will normally manage the risk:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with a management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
• there must be no release of any substance to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the H1 risk assessment tool or an equivalent alternative to allow the research and development activity to take place

Taking these actions will normally control the risk so it is rated as ‘very low’.

Explanation of terms

Likelihood of exposure

This is the likelihood of the receptors being exposed to the hazard. The meanings of the definitions are:

• high – exposure is probable – direct exposure is likely with no or few barriers between the hazard source and the receptor
• medium – exposure is fairly probable – feasible exposure is possible as the barriers to exposure are less controllable
• low – exposure is unlikely – several barriers exist between the hazard source and receptor to reduce exposure
• very low – exposure is very unlikely – effective, multiple barriers are in place to reduce exposure

Overall magnitude of potential consequence

This is the severity of the consequence if the hazard is realised and may cause actual or potential harm.

This will have a high, medium, low or very low rating using attributes and scaling to consider ‘harm’.

Risk rating

We determine the risk rating by combining the likelihood of exposure with the magnitude of the potential consequences.

We assess these ratings to be:

• high risk – requires additional assessment and active management
• medium risk – requires additional assessment and may need active management or monitoring (or both)
• low and very low risks – will require a periodic review